This past Saturday, Clarion fell to Gannon University in overtime, 66-65. Or did they? Gannon University’s George Johnson made the game winning shot in overtime.

The only problem was that it appeared that time had expired before Johnson was able to get the shot off.

After a long discussion at the scores table, the officials decided to count the basket anyway.
The Golden Eagles got off to a cold start making only two shots in the first seven minutes. Clarion trailed for most of the first half by double digit points before making a run at the end of the half.

The Golden Eagles tied and took their first lead with 3:53 left in the half when Shameel Carty made both of his free throw attempts.

The Golden Knights used a 12-5 run against the Golden Eagles in the final minutes to take a 32-26 lead into the locker room.

Only down by six points was a plus for Clarion with shooting only 34.8 percent from the field, including 66.7 percent from the free throw line and only 28.6 percent from beyond the arc.

Clarion also started out slow in the second half being down by as many has nine points.
For the first 12 minutes of the second half, the closest the Golden Eagles were able to get were five points. Like they have all season, Clarion clawed their way back into the game.
With 6:18 remaining in the game, Clarion regained the lead. From this point on, both teams were neck and neck and exchanged leads four times.

Down by one point with five seconds remaining, Lloyd Harrison drove the lane and got fouled. With a chance to win the game, Harrison was able to make one of two free throws to tie the game at 60-60, sending it to overtime.

Scoring was at a premium in overtime, with Clarion taking a quick three point lead 28 seconds into the extra period.

Down by one, Lloyd Harrison connected on two free throws with seven seconds left to give Clarion a 65-64 lead. With the last possession of the game, Gannon pushed the ball down court and got a shot off way after the time expired. The officials counted the basket to give Gannon the win.

After the game Coach Ron Righter looked over the tapes several times and realized that the officials blew the call big time.

Clarion coaches are in the process of sending the tape to conference officials to reprimand the referee.

“It was definitely after the buzzer. It was disheartening to the whole team,” Mike Sherry said.
Lloyd Harrison led the Golden Eagles with another spectacular performance with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Rounding out the Golden Eagles scoring in double figures were Carty with 14 points, Jamar Harrison with 12 points and Paul McQueen with 10 points and nine rebounds.

“Our team now must play with a sense of urgency. It is nearing playoff time,” Coach Righter said.

The Golden Eagles fell 76-64 to the hands of Mercyhurst last night.

Clarion went with a new staring lineup last night with Julius Berry replacing Denzil Dennison , and the big change, Greg Parker replacing Mike Sherry, who was not able to play due to illness.

After being down 12 at the half, 34-22, Clarion came out strong to start the second half. A few minutes into the half, Clarion cut their double digit lead to seven, 42-35. This is as close as they would come for the remainder of the game. Everytime Clarion would chip back into it, Mercyhurst had an answer.

A big factor in the game was the officials and the uncontrollable crowd.

Mercyhurst’s hot shooting from beyond the arc sealed the deal, and a win over the second place Golden Eagles.